Marvel's Doomstrike: Key to One World Crossover

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Did Bucky Barnes Empower Emperor Doom?

Thunderbolts: Doomstrike continues the narrative Kelly and Lanzing established in their 2023 Thunderbolts relaunch. Their series introduced Bucky Barnes leading a new team with a mandate to confront major Marvel villains by any means necessary. While successfully taking on threats like Hydra and Kingpin, their victories created unintended consequences - paving the way for Doom's ascent. Whoops.

The Consequences of Bucky's Strategy

"Bucky's operations eliminated Red Skull, dismantled Kingpin's financial network, and neutralized the American Kaiju," Lanzing explained to IGN. "This created power vacuums in Hydra, organized crime, and US defense systems. His attempt to make the world safer instead inspired Victor Von Doom - who retaliates after being manipulated into killing Red Skull."

Planned Story Convergence

Kelly revealed their Thunderbolts: Worldstrike arc was always designed to lead to a Doom-focused sequel. The alignment with Ryan North's "One World Under Doom" event allowed their storyline to become a key catalyst for Doom's rise.

Bucky's Psychological Burden Intensifies

"Bucky's guilt over his Winter Soldier past and Outer Circle missions has haunted him," Kelly noted. "Just as he sought redemption, his actions enabled Doom's dictatorship. The Revolution now faces its greatest test against a foe who weaponizes Bucky's remorse."

Team Motivations in Crisis

Lanzing detailed each member's perspective:

• Songbird: Heroic idealism mixed with grief over lost love Abner Jenkins (MACH-X)
• Black Widow: Primarily concerned with Bucky's self-destructive tendencies
• Sharon Carter: Committed to destroying fascism wherever it appears
• U.S. Agent: Disillusioned by America's submission to Doom
• Ghost Rider '44: An old ally with renewed vengeance

Clash of Thunderbolts Generations

Doomstrike resurrects Marvel's original 1997 Thunderbolts lineup - now serving as Doom's enforcers against Bucky's team. This creates internal conflict for Songbird, torn between old teammates and new principles.

"Doom appropriates the Thunderbolts name for his Fulgur Victoris forces," Lanzing explained. "Their specific mission against Bucky raises crucial questions about redemption and loyalty."

Songbird's Pivotal Role

"Melissa enthusiastically joined Bucky's mission," Kelly noted, "but facing her former team - including ex-lover Abner Jenkins - forces painful reckonings about her identity and values."

The Revolution Saga Culminates

Following their work on Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty and the Cold War crossover, Kelly and Lanzing position Doomstrike as the climax to their multi-year Bucky Barnes narrative.

"This is our final chapter in Bucky's 'Revolution Saga'," Lanzing confirmed. "Fans who followed his journey from Devil's Reign: Winter Soldier through Thunderbolts: Worldstrike will find this the payoff to every character beat."

Syncing With MCU Thunderbolts

With Marvel Studios' Thunderbolts film releasing in May 2025, the writers designed Doomstrike to appeal to movie fans while deepening comic mythology.

"Our portrayal of Bucky and Valentina will feel familiar yet fresh for MCU audiences," Kelly said. "As Doom enters the cinematic universe, our series provides the perfect primer on his capabilities and menace."

Thunderbolts: Doomstrike #1 releases February 19, 2025.